8 MORE Walt Disney World Dining Changes ALL Guests Should Be Aware Of (September 2016)

-Reported by Theme Park Tourist

Though it may not initially seem like it, Walt Disney World has truly come into its own in recent years as a real food lover’s paradise. If you count yourself as one of the many who love eating their way around the Walt Disney World parks and resorts, there are some big changes taking effect right now and very soon that you should know about.

For this month’s second super-sized Walt Disney World dining update, we take a look at a new breakfast offering at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, get a few updates on seasonal treats at Disney Springs and even a new dining package at the Magic Kingdom. But first, we have some sad news to report out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

1. Writer’s Stop to officially close this week

The Writer’s Stop is a unique snack location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that was famous for its comfy chairs, coffee house vibe, and of course its iconic Carrot Cake Cookies. And while this out-of-the-way spot was originally scheduled to close as part of the massive Disney’s Hollywood Studios closure earlier this year, the Writer’s Stop got a bit of a reprieve, and functioned as a lounge for the nearby Sci-Fi Dine in Theater for the summer.

However, it looks like the stay of execution for the Writer’s Stop has finally ended, as this location will be officially closing on September 26, 2016. And while this is certainly sad for fans of this lesser-known spot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the good news is that the iconic carrot cake cookie will continue to be available at the Sweet Spells snack location on Sunset Boulevard.

2. Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge begins “Kuamsha” breakfast service

Image: Disney

Earlier this week Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge began offering “Kuamsha” breakfast service. In case you are wondering, “Kuamsha” means “to awaken with” in Swahili and reflects some of the more unique menu items that will be available as part of this new offering, which will be available for morning diners from 7:00AM – 10:00 AM. Here is the full menu:

3. Festival of Fantasy Dining Package announced for Tony’s Town Square

Beginning October 10th, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package will be offered at Tony’s Town Square as a replacement experience for the outgoing Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package. Similarly to the previous package, guests who book this dining experience will be able to partake in a prix fixe lunch (including appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage) at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant that will come with reserved viewing (near the flagpole on Main Street USA) for the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade instead of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

Pricing for the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package is exactly the same price as the previous Main Street Electrical Parade package, costing $45 for adults and $17 for ages 3-9. Reservations can be made now for this new(ish) experience.

4. Pop-up bar appears in Pixar Place

Pixar Place

Though rumors about a new pop-up bar at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror earlier this year proved to be false, Disney has added a temporary drinking location in Pixar Place that serves a number of Toy Story-inspired drinks, including the following:

The Sandbox: A refreshing mix of Parrot Bay Coconut Run, Midori Melon and a splash of citrus juices

Prospector’s Punch: Bacadri Limon and Amaretto joined with pineapple and cranberry juices.

In addition to these specialty drinks, this location also serves a number of beers and a Margarita featuring Jose Cuervo Gold Tequilla.

5. Seasonal treats now available at Disney Springs

Image: Disney

Much like other eateries around Walt Disney World, Disney Springs is celebrating the fall season with a number of fun, limited time sweet treats that should delight guests looking for something a little different at the shopping district this fall. Here’s the lineup:

The Fall Time Petit Cake (available September 11 to November 10): Designed to look like a charming birch tree with a lovingly carved “A” for Amorette’s, this cake features delicious layers of baked apple, salted caramel, milk jam and spiced chiffon cake.

D-Luxe Burger:

Caramel Apple Shake (available from October 1 – November 10) This milkshake features a creamy vanilla gelato base which is perfectly complemented with tart green apple and sweet caramel flavors before being topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle.

Seasonal ganache flavors (available this fall): This sweet location is now offering a number of truffles featuring fall-inspired flavors, including Pumpkin Spice Latte and Cinnamon Apple.

6. Refillable popcorn deal extended through the fall

The refillable, souvenir popcorn bucket deal that was introduced at Walt Disney World this past summer has been extended and will now be available for guests to take advantage of through the end of October. In case you need a refresher, guests may purchase a special refillable popcorn bucket for $10 with refills available for $1.50 each throughout their length of stay. However, if you’re heading to the park with your refillable bucket from the summer, be aware that a new fall-inspired design debuted earlier this month and guests will need to have the new design for the refill.

7. Holiday Brunch returning to 1900 Park Fare in November

Image: Disney

1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort will be offering a Holiday Brunch dining experience this year that will include an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet (which will include custom-made omelets, carved meat stations, Mickey waffles and more) as well as the opportunity to meet characters from Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland. This seasonal experience will cost $37 for adults ($22 for children ages 3-9), and will be available on the following dates and times:

8. Main Street Confectionery candy case currently under refurbishment

Finally in this month’s second update, guests who visit the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionary in the near future may be dismayed to see that almost the entire left side of this establishment (where the candy counter and waiting area used to be) is all behind temporary walls. As you might expect this is due to a substantial refurbishment that will see the replacement of the entire candy counter area. Work in this sweet shop is expected to last through November, with the walls coming down sometime before the holiday season kicks off. Fortunately, even though this iconic spot in this shop is currently walled off, favorite treats including candy apples, cookies and non-refrigerated candies continue to be available.

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